Place of Origin

England ➔ Norfolk ➔ Bracon Ash

Date of Composition

ca. 1788

Description

This collection of four household manuscripts was compiled by Elizabeth Jackson Berney of Bracon Ash, Norfolk. Volume 1 contains confectionary recipes, Volume 2 cooking recipes and remedies. Volume 3 is a miscellaneous collection of charades, riddles, rebuses, paradoxes, and puns. Volume 4 comprises remedies. Volumes 1, 3, and 4 are bound and are mostly written in Elizabeth Berney's neat copperplate hand. They appear to have been compiled in a fairly short span of time. Volume 2 is unbound. It is written in a variety of different hands and is not as carefully copied out or organized as the other volumes. Many of the recipes and riddles are attributed to individuals in the Berneys' acquaintance.

Mrs. Berney (1755-1839) was the daughter of Sir George Jackson, Baronet. She married Thomas Berney in 1774, who died young, in 1786. The couple had one son, Thomas Trench Berney, and a daughter, Elizabeth Berney.

Mid-20th century typescripts of the volumes are included in the case housing the manuscripts.